Complications Of Panic Attacks On Diabetes Sufferers

Sunday, November 30, 2008 17:48
Posted in category Help

The Connection between Panic Attacks and diabetes?

Research has shown that there is a connection between diabetes and the presence of panic attacks. As both the symptoms in both disorders are quite similar, people who have diabetes should be aware of certain complications that could arise, namely the onset of panic attacks.

Concerning the symptoms of a panic attack that is sudden, brief episodes of fear and anxiety. There are,however, both psychological and physical symptoms associated with these attacks. Apart of being consumed with a debilitating sense of impending doom, the body responds on a physical level as well. A rapid sweating and shortness of breath are the very real and frightening symptoms that accompany an attack.

Diabetics will immediately find that the panic attack symptoms are exactly like those that are experienced in a condition called hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar. But here is where the problem comes in. If a diabetic has a panic attack, the first thing that should be done is to adjust their blood sugar level, but this may prove harmful. The symptoms of Panic attacks and diabetes may be similar but they are not the same condition and therefore need a different course of treatment.

What To Do?

The very first thing a diabetic should do is  to closely monitor their blood sugar levels daily. Diabetes can be effectively managed through proper medication and diet. If a diabetic begins to experience panic attacks, the health care provider should be promptly informed. New research reveals that there is a strong connection between diabetes and panic attacks, which seems to result from diabetic complications.

This means that, this may not simply be a matter of adjusting blood sugar levels, but would require a complete physical evaluation. Apart from the physical aspect, a diabetic who suffer from panic attacks should be checked for any psychological conditions, like anxiety or mood disorders. Depression has been seen to be more common in diabetics, and this may contribute to the onset of panic attacks.

In a few cases, providing treatment for the depression may eliminate the panic situations. But other cases showed a need for better glucose control because of an underlying complication of the diabetes. Proper and rapid medical diagnosis and treatment for panic attacks and diabetes  is vital in this situation.

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